Teeth Whitening Kits or In-Clinic: Which Is Better?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure, designed to remove stains and enhance the brightness of your smile. Done professionally, it can completely uplift the way your smile looks and feels. There are now various teeth whitening options available, from at-home whitening kits to a variety of in-clinic treatments. Choosing between at-home teeth whitening kits and professional in-clinic treatments can be challenging, as both can offer equally satisfying results.
In this guide to teeth whitening options, we’ll explore how teeth whitening works and discuss the pros and cons of each method. Comparing teeth whitening kits with in-clinic treatments, this should help you decide which option is better for your needs.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening treatments generally involve the use of bleaching agents, primarily hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals break down stain molecules on the teeth, making the colour less concentrated and your teeth brighter. The effectiveness and safety of the whitening process depend on the method used, the concentration of the whitening agent, and the condition of the teeth.
READ MORE: How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
About Teeth Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening kits are available with a range of different types of applications. They typically include gel-filled trays, strips, or paint-on applicators that you can use at home. These kits are designed for convenience and are generally more affordable than in-clinic treatments, as you’ll be applying them yourself in the comfort of your own home.
Although they’re more affordable, they often contain lower concentrations of whitening agents compared to professional in-clinic options. This means results can be less dramatic and may take longer to appear, which can deter some patients from choosing at-home whitening kits.
Advantages of Teeth Whitening Kits:
- More affordable. Teeth whitening kits are the cheaper alternative to in-clinic whitening treatments, with professional at-home kits starting at just £300.00
- Convenient and can be used at home. If getting to the dentist for your treatment isn’t an option, at-home kits offer the flexibility of being able to choose where and when you whiten your teeth.
- Suitable for mild discolouration. At-home kits are ideal for less noticeable stains or marks on the teeth. They can, however, offer just as effective results as in-clinic options!
Disadvantages of Teeth Whitening Kits:
- Lower concentration of bleaching agents. This means the kits may not be 100% effective at removing more intense stains.
- May lead to uneven results. Improper application can impact how well the teeth whitening process goes. If you leave any areas uncovered, for example, they won’t be exposed to the whitening agents and the end result may look patchy.
- Risk of misuse or overuse, leading to tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. An experienced dentist would never advise that you use a tooth whitening treatment too often, as this could potentially harm your dental health. At-home treatments are less regulated, and it can become easy to over-apply as you chase that all-white smile.
About Teeth Whitening In-Clinic
In-clinic teeth whitening, performed by dental professionals, involves the application of a high-concentration bleaching agent during an appointment within your chosen dental surgery. Treatments like Zoom® provide immediate results, often making teeth several shades lighter in just one appointment. So what are the pros and cons of in-clinic teeth whitening treatments?
Advantages of In-Clinic Teeth Whitening:
- Carefully controlled conditions. Dental surgeries are pristine environments where teeth whitening treatments are provided on a daily basis.
- Applied by professionals. The dentist in charge of your treatment will likely know the entire process like the back of their hand.
- Immediate response to sensitivity or potential issues. As you’re in the dental surgery for your treatment, your dentist is able to quickly respond if any issues do occur. This is unlikely, but can give more peace of mind for nervous patients.
- Faster, more effective results. Higher concentrations of bleaching agents can mean more impactful results, sooner. This is great if you’re impatient!
Disadvantages of In-Clinic Teeth Whitening:
- More expensive than at-home alternatives. In-clinic options start at £600.00.
- Less convenient. In-clinic whitening obviously requires at least one trip to the dentist, which can be tricky to organise for those busier patients!
- Chance of higher sensitivity levels. As the in-clinic whitening options often include higher concentrations of whitening agents, you may experience slightly more sensitive teeth afterwards.
Which Is Right for Me?
Your choice between at-home whitening kits and professional in-clinic treatments will depend on several factors. Have a good think about the level of whitening you desire, your budget, any time constraints, and any pre-existing dental health conditions. If you’re seeking quick, noticeable results and have a higher budget, in-clinic treatments like Zoom® may be the ideal choice.
If you prefer a more gradual approach or have a tighter budget, an at-home treatment like Boutique® might suit you better. For those looking for a more intensive treatment course, a premium option such as Enlighten® – could be the perfect selection. Before making your decision, it’s important that you consult with dental professionals. They can assess the suitability of your teeth for whitening and also recommend the best treatment, based on your oral health and whitening goals.
Professional Teeth Whitening with Ringway Dental
Unsure about the best teeth whitening option to suit your goals and budget? At Ringway Dental, we offer three different teeth whitening solutions that offer the best of both worlds when it comes to at-home vs in-clinic treatments:
Boutique®: At-home treatment with custom trays and gels for £300.
Zoom®: In-surgery whitening treatment for immediate results at £600.
Enlighten®: The premium teeth whitening solution for £600
Contact us today at 0161 437 2029 to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you achieve the brighter, whiter smile you’ve been dreaming of by helping you select the right teeth-whitening option.
